WHAT IS COLOSTRUM HARVESTING?
A few weeks before baby is born, many parents-to-be collect colostrum. Colostrum is the type of milk produced in the mammary glands from pregnancy to around 3rd day after birth. It is rich in antibodies, immune cells and protective factors. More you collect, more your body produces it - so there is no way to run out of colostrum.
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WHY COLLECTING COLOSTRUM ANTENATALLY?
Antenatal colostrum harvesting can be useful in the following situations:
• your baby is small or big for the gestational age;
• you have diabetes (any type - I, II or gestational);
• you're expecting multiples;
• your baby has an antenatal diagnose of cleft lip or palate;
• your baby was diagnosed with a genetic disorder;
• you're taking medicines for high blood pressure;
• there is plan of a cesarean birth;
• you have a history of breast surgery;
• you want to avoid formula use; or
• there are other circumstances identified by you or your haealth care provider.
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Expressing colostrum before birth also offers an opportunity during pregnancy for parents-to-be to better understand the breast and the colostrum phase, learn the skill before baby is born and be proficient if baby needs some help after birth, and feel more confident in relation to their breastfeeding journey.
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ARE THERE CONTRAINDICATIONS?
Parents-to-be should talk to their health care providers before collostrum expression if there is history of
• threatened/actual premature labour
• cervical incompetence
• cervical suture in situ
• antenatal bleeding in this pregnancy.
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WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE KIT?
• 3 x 1 ml syringes with lids • 2 x 3ml syringes with lids
• 2 x 5ml syringes with lids • labels for the syringes
• 1 feeding tube + syringe to clean it (can be used at
the breast or for finger-feeding to avoid bottle use if
complement is recomended)
• QR code to access the video explaining all about
colostrum harvesting
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WHO CAN ORDER THE KIT?
The kit is available for order to any antenatal client who attended either the preparation course or the individualised antenatal consultation.
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WHEN IT IS SUGGESTED TO ORDER?
Preferably before the 36th week of pregnancy.